14 Lizzie Bennet Diaries Recs (Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy)
I warned somebody I had an obscene number of LBD recs, and I was not kidding. Knock yourselves out! (But not, you know, literally.)
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: the truth about trains
Author: kyrieanne
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/42633
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Genre: Character study, AU, romance
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Kyrie Anne is one of my favorite authors for this fandom--she has incomparable insight into the characters and a smart, lyrical way of writing about them. (And if you like her fic, you should totally check out her LBD meta on Tumblr!) In this story, she draws Lizzie and Darcy together while focusing on their respective relationships with family and friends. In keeping with themes of the series and featuring a healthy dose of Team Figi, this is a pretty wonderful first story to read if you're new to the world of LBD.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: your name is the splinter inside me
Author: abvj
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/634047
Rating/Warning(s): G
Genre: One-shot
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: In this one-shot, Lizzie considers her understanding of Darcy and how their relationship is evolving. It's canon-compliant and memorable, and nicely understated in its look at one person's reflections.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Somewhere between a beginning, a middle and an end
Author: Amodelofefficiency
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/702993
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Future fic
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: This fic can best be described as "cozy"--warm and loving and composed of a string of soft, quiet moments between everyone's favorite pairing. Lizzie and Darcy are wonderfully in-character as they get to know each other better, and the results are just beautiful.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Preludes
Author: KnifeEdge
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/716339
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Slight AU
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: In this twist on canon, Lizzie doesn't get the memo about Lydia during Ep. 84 and instead accepts Darcy's invitation, and a predictably wonderful if understated evening ensues. Yet, rather than turning this premise into a fluff-fest, the author never forgets that this isn't what happened, and the result is a lyrical and gently melancholy story about what might have been, but wasn't.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: And look how far we've come
Author: Gryffindork
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/691772
Rating/Warning(s): G
Genre: Songfic(ish), missing moments
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: This isn't quite a songfic (although the bits with song lyrics are actually really well done), but the prose still maintains a lyrical quality throughout, and the Darcy POV is nicely done--it adds to canon without infringing on it. Enjoy!
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: I thought you were Chinese
Author: chasing_givenchy
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/731007
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Slight AU, Jossed, character study
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Following Darcy from his receiving that fateful voicemail to when he shows up on Lizzie's birthday, this perfect nugget of a fic has a perfectly-used cast of supporting character, a healthy dose of MSG, and a great character study of this most enigmatic of leading men.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Ten Minutes to Midnight
Author: mos
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/685138
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Character history
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: A thoughtful and thorough backstory on Darcy, "Ten Minutes to Midnight" is one of those fics that you'll accept as headcanon halfway through. It's just that good.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy, Jane Bennet/Bing Lee
Fic Title: Wm. Darcy, Pornographer
Author: saucydiva
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/738175
Rating/Warning(s): M
Genre: Future fic, humor
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: On top of the author's trademark humor and warm characterizations, this features Darcy becoming an accidental, yes, pornographer by virtue of his having bought the company that had Lydia's video. Romance and hijinks of course ensue, as well as some spectacular parody titles, awkward!Darcy moments galore, and porn offerings for your every preference.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: all right
Author: lulabo
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/744937
Rating/Warning(s): G
Genre: Gen, friendship
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: After an unexpected dental surgery episode, Lydia discovers that the Darcenator has...well, more shallow depths than one would anticipate, plus a decent bedside manner as a last-minute caregiver. Bonus points for the author, who nicely captures the absurdities of wisdom-tooth extraction.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy, Jane Bennet/Bing Lee
Fic Title: Clash and Clamor
Author: mightnightofthesoul
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/669084
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Humor, friendship
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: In this delightful post-Pemberly AU, Lydia and Charlotte narrate a rather tipsy Dizzie rendezvous and its aftermath. Their recounting of events is hilariously spot-on and a perfect contrast to Lizzie's overly introspective-bordering-on-hermetic demeanor. Seriously, these two should just tell all the stories.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Not Practical, But Breakable
Author: lulabo
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/627959
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Missing moments, angst
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: It's Darcy as he watches Lizzie's videos for the first time. It ain't a pretty sight, but it's honest and alcohol-tinged and includes a good dose of Gigi and their dearly departed mother. Stories of Darcy taking stock of how he honestly needs to improve as a human being are difficult to do well, but this is one that gives you new insights into the character--as well as his irreverent sister.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions
Author: imaginarycircus
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/674623
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Missing moments, angst, friendship
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Who doesn't love Fitz? Like Caroline, his role in the LBD is mostly functional--resolving why Bing left, scheming with Gigi--but he's of course eminently more likable. And who didn't wonder about Darcy's experience of having to watch literally dozens of videos ripping him apart? In this short but meaningful missing-moment story, Fitz takes care of his very not-okay friend following Lizzie's rejection. There are small insights into their friendship that pack a punch, and Fitz's guilt for his missteps in trying to talk up Darcy before come into play in interesting ways.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: The Tiger and the Eagle Went to Sea in a Beautiful Pea Green Boat
Author: imaginarycircus
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/703314
Rating/Warning(s): M
Genre: Fluff, smut, yay
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Do you have any idea how hard it is to write a fic in the second person? I don't, but I do know you don't see many that are done well. This fic with its long title is the exception--it's funny, clever, sexy, and includes just enough fanservice to keep Team Figi happy.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy, Jane Bennet/Bing Lee, Lydia Bennet/George Wickham
Fic Title: Lizzie B, Pop Star
Author: saucydiva
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/692892
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: AU, pretend dating
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: saucydiva made a name for herself in the Parks and Recreation fandom with clever stories that perfectly marry humor and sweetness and just the right about of shippiness. "Lizzie B, Pop Star" should give her the same reputation in the LBD fandom. It's a fun and not-that-long re-imagining of the story in which everyone's in pop bands and Darcy might actually be a dubstep DJ. Featuring a clever take on the series' trademark "costume theater," a fresh look at Caroline, and numerous tongue-in-cheek comments about "making music" together, this is easily the most fun LBD AU I've seen yet.
Mods, people have been using Pride & Prejudice tags for this fandom, which is what I did, too. But FYI, if you wanted to do LBD-specific ones.
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: the truth about trains
Author: kyrieanne
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/42633
Rating/Warning(s): PG
Genre: Character study, AU, romance
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Kyrie Anne is one of my favorite authors for this fandom--she has incomparable insight into the characters and a smart, lyrical way of writing about them. (And if you like her fic, you should totally check out her LBD meta on Tumblr!) In this story, she draws Lizzie and Darcy together while focusing on their respective relationships with family and friends. In keeping with themes of the series and featuring a healthy dose of Team Figi, this is a pretty wonderful first story to read if you're new to the world of LBD.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: your name is the splinter inside me
Author: abvj
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/634047
Rating/Warning(s): G
Genre: One-shot
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: In this one-shot, Lizzie considers her understanding of Darcy and how their relationship is evolving. It's canon-compliant and memorable, and nicely understated in its look at one person's reflections.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Somewhere between a beginning, a middle and an end
Author: Amodelofefficiency
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/702993
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Future fic
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: This fic can best be described as "cozy"--warm and loving and composed of a string of soft, quiet moments between everyone's favorite pairing. Lizzie and Darcy are wonderfully in-character as they get to know each other better, and the results are just beautiful.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Preludes
Author: KnifeEdge
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/716339
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Slight AU
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: In this twist on canon, Lizzie doesn't get the memo about Lydia during Ep. 84 and instead accepts Darcy's invitation, and a predictably wonderful if understated evening ensues. Yet, rather than turning this premise into a fluff-fest, the author never forgets that this isn't what happened, and the result is a lyrical and gently melancholy story about what might have been, but wasn't.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: And look how far we've come
Author: Gryffindork
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/691772
Rating/Warning(s): G
Genre: Songfic(ish), missing moments
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: This isn't quite a songfic (although the bits with song lyrics are actually really well done), but the prose still maintains a lyrical quality throughout, and the Darcy POV is nicely done--it adds to canon without infringing on it. Enjoy!
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: I thought you were Chinese
Author: chasing_givenchy
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/731007
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Slight AU, Jossed, character study
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Following Darcy from his receiving that fateful voicemail to when he shows up on Lizzie's birthday, this perfect nugget of a fic has a perfectly-used cast of supporting character, a healthy dose of MSG, and a great character study of this most enigmatic of leading men.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Ten Minutes to Midnight
Author: mos
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/685138
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Character history
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: A thoughtful and thorough backstory on Darcy, "Ten Minutes to Midnight" is one of those fics that you'll accept as headcanon halfway through. It's just that good.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy, Jane Bennet/Bing Lee
Fic Title: Wm. Darcy, Pornographer
Author: saucydiva
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/738175
Rating/Warning(s): M
Genre: Future fic, humor
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: On top of the author's trademark humor and warm characterizations, this features Darcy becoming an accidental, yes, pornographer by virtue of his having bought the company that had Lydia's video. Romance and hijinks of course ensue, as well as some spectacular parody titles, awkward!Darcy moments galore, and porn offerings for your every preference.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: all right
Author: lulabo
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/744937
Rating/Warning(s): G
Genre: Gen, friendship
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: After an unexpected dental surgery episode, Lydia discovers that the Darcenator has...well, more shallow depths than one would anticipate, plus a decent bedside manner as a last-minute caregiver. Bonus points for the author, who nicely captures the absurdities of wisdom-tooth extraction.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy, Jane Bennet/Bing Lee
Fic Title: Clash and Clamor
Author: mightnightofthesoul
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/669084
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Humor, friendship
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: In this delightful post-Pemberly AU, Lydia and Charlotte narrate a rather tipsy Dizzie rendezvous and its aftermath. Their recounting of events is hilariously spot-on and a perfect contrast to Lizzie's overly introspective-bordering-on-hermetic demeanor. Seriously, these two should just tell all the stories.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: Not Practical, But Breakable
Author: lulabo
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/627959
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Missing moments, angst
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: It's Darcy as he watches Lizzie's videos for the first time. It ain't a pretty sight, but it's honest and alcohol-tinged and includes a good dose of Gigi and their dearly departed mother. Stories of Darcy taking stock of how he honestly needs to improve as a human being are difficult to do well, but this is one that gives you new insights into the character--as well as his irreverent sister.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions
Author: imaginarycircus
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/674623
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: Missing moments, angst, friendship
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Who doesn't love Fitz? Like Caroline, his role in the LBD is mostly functional--resolving why Bing left, scheming with Gigi--but he's of course eminently more likable. And who didn't wonder about Darcy's experience of having to watch literally dozens of videos ripping him apart? In this short but meaningful missing-moment story, Fitz takes care of his very not-okay friend following Lizzie's rejection. There are small insights into their friendship that pack a punch, and Fitz's guilt for his missteps in trying to talk up Darcy before come into play in interesting ways.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy
Fic Title: The Tiger and the Eagle Went to Sea in a Beautiful Pea Green Boat
Author: imaginarycircus
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/703314
Rating/Warning(s): M
Genre: Fluff, smut, yay
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: Do you have any idea how hard it is to write a fic in the second person? I don't, but I do know you don't see many that are done well. This fic with its long title is the exception--it's funny, clever, sexy, and includes just enough fanservice to keep Team Figi happy.
***
Pairing: Lizzie Bennet/William Darcy, Jane Bennet/Bing Lee, Lydia Bennet/George Wickham
Fic Title: Lizzie B, Pop Star
Author: saucydiva
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/692892
Rating/Warning(s): T
Genre: AU, pretend dating
WIP?: No.
Why This Must Be Read: saucydiva made a name for herself in the Parks and Recreation fandom with clever stories that perfectly marry humor and sweetness and just the right about of shippiness. "Lizzie B, Pop Star" should give her the same reputation in the LBD fandom. It's a fun and not-that-long re-imagining of the story in which everyone's in pop bands and Darcy might actually be a dubstep DJ. Featuring a clever take on the series' trademark "costume theater," a fresh look at Caroline, and numerous tongue-in-cheek comments about "making music" together, this is easily the most fun LBD AU I've seen yet.
Mods, people have been using Pride & Prejudice tags for this fandom, which is what I did, too. But FYI, if you wanted to do LBD-specific ones.